So, without further adieu, we would like to introduce the $18,000 gold bike. Not only is it plated in copper and then finished in 24ct gold — but this decadent form of sustainable transportation also comes with its own bodyguard. That’s right. Buy this bike and you’ll also have the option of adding some kind of indentured servant to look over your extravagant two-wheeled wonder. This makes all the bells and whistles that came with my 2008 Honda Civic pale in comparison. Screw the surround sound — I want someone in dark sunglasses to stare menacingly at anyone daring to check out my groceries in the back seat!

By this time, you’re probably wondering “WTF?”

The idea behind the gold-plated bike comes from the British Environmental Transport Association, an insurance provider. All of the money raised from the sale of the bike will go towards the non-profit org and its campaigns to promote more sustainable forms of transportation.

Since bike theft in the UK is a massive problem — and bicycles over £4,000 cannot be insured — the company provides the bodyguard option anytime you leave the bike in public. If you live in the UK, you can also win one of the gold bikes! Simply jump over to www.ilovemybike.co.uk.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.